Collection of pope’s ‘essential writings’ to be published

SAN FRANCISCO – A new book to be published in March by HarperSanFrancisco brings together what its editors call “the central writings and speeches” of Pope Benedict XVI.

“The Essential Pope Benedict XVI: His Central Writings and Speeches” opens with then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s sermon at the funeral of Pope John Paul II April 18, 2005, and closes with his first encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est” (“God Is Love”), dated Dec. 25, 2005.

Edited by John F. Thornton and Susan B. Varenne, the 464-page hardcover book will sell for $27.95 in the United States and $34.95 in Canada.

Major subject areas in the book include Christian relations with Islam, Christian values, birth control and abortion, sexual misconduct in the priesthood, the ordination of women, anti-Semitism and the Catholic Church, and ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.

“Now that a leading Catholic theologian has assumed office as pope, many are eager to get an overview of his theology,” said Cardinal Avery Dulles in a back cover comment on the book. “The present selection, drawn largely from his shorter writings, gives an excellent sampling. It will provide a first orientation to beginners and will enable veterans to supplement their familiarity with this important thinker.”

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